On August 15, 2008, the restaurant Kouzinna by Cat Cora opened in Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk area. Replacing the restaurant Spoodles, the restaurant was created by Iron Chef Cat Cora, and features a Mediterranean-style cuisine inspired by Cora’s own Greek heritage. The restaurant’s name, Kouzzina, means “kitchen” in Greek. The restaurant closed on September 30, 2014, and was replated by Trattoria al Forno.

On August 9, 2015, after operating for almost twenty years, the Walt Disney World Speedway closed. Located in a corner near Magic Kingdom Park, the racetrack was used for speed racing events, including a Formula Ford 2000 support race; the track was also used for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which gave guests the chance to sit behind the wheel of a stock car and race down the track. The track has since been demolished to make way for transportation upgrades for Magic Kingdom Park guests.

August 4, 2001 – The Live Show The Bear in the Big Blue House Show Closes in Disney-MGM Studios

“Welcome to the Blue House!”

On August 4, 2001, the live show The Bear in the Big Blue House Show had its final performance in Disney-MGM Studios (now known as Hollywood Studios). The show had played for over a year, and featured the characters from the hit kids television show Bear in the Big Blue House singing songs. The show was replaced by Playhouse Disney: Live on Stage, which had segments featuring the cast of Bear in the Big Blue House.

“…have fun with it, don’t let the nerves get to you, like I’m nervous right now.”

On August 12, 2012, the newest American Idol Phillip Phillips surprised guests by visiting the American Idol Experience attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park. Phillips was joined by a string of season 13 contestants, including Hollie Cavannaugh, Jessica Sanchez, and Joshua Ladet. Phillips also took pictures outside the attraction with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

On July 27, 2014, the Magic Kingdom Park store The Yankee Trader closed its doors. Located in Liberty Square, the store specialized in supplies for the kitchen, including pot holders, Disney character-shaped pasta, and glassware. The store was replaced by Memento Mori, a shop dedicated to the nearby attraction The Haunted Mansion.

“A full-service spa and health club inspired by the 19th century wellness retreats of upstate New York.”

On July 25, 2013, the Disney spa Senses opened in Walt Disney World’s Saratoga Springs Resort. This was the second version of the spa to open, as the original Senses opened in the Grand Floridian Resort in late 2012. Guests can treat themselves to a relaxing day with several different spa treatments, including facials, massages, manicures, and special packages.

“Once a secret lounge of illusion, there’s magic in every concoction at this sophisticated social club.”

On July 23, 2016, the cocktail lounge AbracadaBar opened in Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk area. The bar is styled to bring guests back to the 1930s, when magicians illuminated the stage. According to legend, the bar was a hot spot in the 30s, where magicians would go after they performed to show off their tricks and out-show each other, but one day the bar simply vanished, only to mysteriously return years later. Guests can peruse the varied cocktail menu, featuring the likes of the Magic Hattan, Collin’s Double, and the Parlor Trick, along with various wines and beers.